“Govt has made serval timely and thoughtful interventions during Covid-19 times like issuing negative list for import, increase in FDI limits and separate budget for domestic capital procurement”
By Andalib Akhter
India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today declared that said government will take more steps towards, indigenisation, investment in defence infrastructure and expansion in defence manufacturing capability.
He said, these steps will create big opportunities for the Indian defence industry.
The Minister said, Government has made timely and thoughtful interventions during Covid-19 times like issuing negative list for import, increase in FDI limits, separate budget for domestic capital procurement and emphasis on indigenisation.
He said, the ban on imports of 101 items by Defence Ministry is a big step towards an Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Mr Singh today launched the initiatives of a number of modernisation and up-gradation of facilities as also new infrastructure creation by Defence Public Sector Undertakings, DPSUs and Ordnance Factory Board OFB through digital link in New Delhi.
It was part of the of the Atmanirbhar Week celebration of the Ministry of Defence.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Singh recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s clarion call for Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan and his 5-I formula of ‘Intent, Inclusion, Investment, Infrastructure and Innovation’ will put the economy on high growth trajectory.
This list of negative items contains not only small items but weapon systems of high and critical technology. He said, more such items will be added to this list shortly which will save crores of rupees in imports.
Mr Singh said, in keeping with the vision of the Prime Minister, the Department of Defence Production, DPSUs and OFB have shown great enthusiasm and commitment in ushering in a truly Atmanirbhar Bharat.
He said, Defence industry has always been the forerunner of cutting-edge technologies world across and hence self-reliance in Defence is a tall task which needs whole hearted involvement of all to be fruitful.
The Minister said, the defence industries have been the force behind the Armed Forces.
Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik, Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar, Secretary Defence Production Raj Kumar and senior officials of OFB, DPSUs participated in the event through video conference links.